Report: MJF Paid "Four Or Five Times Less" Than Other Top AEW Wrestlers

Backstage update on MJF, his AEW salary, contract details, Tony Khan relationship & more.

MJF AEW
AEW

Maxwell Jacob Friedman is currently on a salary around four to five times less than other top AEW talents.

This is according to PWTorch's Wade Keller, who reports that the 26-year-old earns significantly more than the rough starter rate (approximately $40,000 to $70,000 annually) paid to several early AEW signings, having been given a raise at some stage. Despite this, MJF's contact is still "modest" compared to at least a half-dozen free agents who have come into the promotion since MJF got his increase.

Keller named Bryan Danielson, CM Punk, Adam Cole, Malakai Black, Mark Henry, and Christian Cage as examples of people who earn more money than MJF.

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A pay dispute is understood to be at the heart of Friedman's current backstage difficulties in AEW. Per Keller, by 1 January 2022, MJF was looking for a deal comparable to others in his card position, using the quality of his work and good ratings record as part of his justification. When AEW founder and president Tony Khan didn't approach him for negotiations, MJF got upset in private, contributing to the much-publicised blow-up between the two.

MJF, who Keller states has a tendency to "get really worked up", has become so upset with the situation that people around him claim he has become "withdrawn and bitter" backstage. The 26-year-old seeks a pay rise that would put him on a similar level to those in similar card positions.

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Khan and MJF met to discuss the situation in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday. The rising star's current AEW contract expires on 1 January 2024.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.